Embedded Optical Fiber Sensor for Microscale Detonation Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional diagnostics for measuring dynamic behavior of microscopic components, such as explosive materials during detonation, are large and intrusive, making it difficult to unobtrusively probe behavior at the microscale, particularly for materials with thicknesses on the order of microns.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system incorporating an embedded optical fiber with a mirrored surface and a laser interferometer system that computes behavior indicative values by detecting changes in reflected light, such as Doppler shifts, during detonation, allowing for precise measurement of reaction front velocity and internal pressure without significantly impacting the sample.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional diagnostic devices are used to measure explosive behavior, then measurement capability is achieved, but the devices are large and intrusive, preventing unobtrusive probing of microscopic components
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber sensor is embedded within the explosive material itself, with the fiber core containing the light path and the reflective coating applied to the fiber tip nested at a specific depth within the sample. This nested structure allows the measurement device to be integrated into the microscopic component rather than attached externally, enabling unobtrusive probing of explosive behavior at microscale thicknesses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical measurement devices with an optical-based sensing system. Light travels through the optical fiber and reflects off the coated tip, with changes in light properties (intensity, phase, wavelength) detecting explosive behavior. This substitution eliminates the need for large mechanical sensors, enabling measurement in microscopic explosive samples.
2Loss of information
If measurement devices are placed on explosive samples, then data can be collected, but the devices perturb the sample and are not suitable for thin materials
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing function is extracted from external measurement devices and embedded directly into the explosive material through the optical fiber. The fiber tip with reflective coating is positioned at a specific depth within the sample, allowing measurement of local explosive behavior without requiring external attachments that would perturb the overall sample structure or require large amounts of explosive material.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical fiber acts as an intermediary between the external measurement system and the explosive material. Light serves as the intermediary carrier, transmitting information about explosive behavior (pressure, temperature, density changes) from the embedded fiber tip to external detectors without requiring direct mechanical contact or large sensing components within the explosive sample.
3Measurement precision
If TOADS are used to measure reaction front velocity, then velocity data is obtained, but a large amount of explosive material is required
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement approach transitions from external time-of-arrival detection to internal distributed sensing along the optical fiber axis. Multiple measurement points can be positioned at different depths within the thin explosive layer, enabling velocity measurement through spatial distribution of sensors rather than requiring a large planar area of explosive material with external detectors.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables non-invasive, precise measurement of transient detonation behavior in thin samples, improving upon conventional methods by providing detailed velocity and pressure data without perturbing the sample, suitable for microscale energetic materials like light-initiated high explosives.
Implementation Method 1
The cleaved end has a mirrored surface applied thereto, such that light that travels in the inner fiber is reflected back through the inner fiber by the mirrored surface
Implementation Method 2
The detector, being optically coupled to the optical fiber, is impacted by the light reflected from the mirrored surface of the cleaved end of the EOF. The detector is configured to convert the light into an electrical signal
Implementation Method 3
This alteration to the EOF causes a property of the reflected light to change (e.g., a Doppler shift is induced), wherein the change is indicative of a behavior of the sample
Data Source
AI summary
Sensor systems including an interferometer system are disclosed herein. In a general embodiment, the sensor system includes an optical fiber that is embedded into a sample, where the optical fiber has a reflective tip. The optical fiber is optically coupled to a sensor and a detector of the laser interferometer system. The sensor system further includes a computing device or circuit that is configured to receive electrical signals generated by the detector. The laser source is configured to emit light, which is coupled into the optical fiber. The light travels through the optical fiber until the light reaches the reflective tip, where it is reflected back through the optical fiber. The detector is impacted by the reflected light, and generates an electrical signal based upon the reflected light. The computing device generates a value that is indicative of a behavior of the sample based upon the electrical signal.